Restaurants that provide equal amounts of exceptional food and sublime interiors are always worth tracking down.
Visit these five dining rooms for an Instagrammable experience that tastes as good as it looks
The Morrison Room at Carton House
Overlooking the beautiful rose garden of Carton House, The Morrison Room at Carton House has to be one of Ireland’s most stunning dining rooms. Built in 1739, Carton House is now the oldest Fairmont property in the collection which includes the iconic Savoy in London and St. Andrews in Scotland. The Morrison Room is named after the architect Richard Morrison who was employed by the Fitzgerald family to remodel and extend the original house. Today, the original Corinthian columns at each end remain intact, as does the barrel vaulted ceiling with its intertwining oak and vine leaves. Incidentally, the food is also rather impressive with head chef Charles Degrendele serving up dishes that only add to the dramatic ambiance. Don’t miss the laminated brioche. www.cartonhouse.com.
Glovers Alley by Andy McFadden
In an elegant setting overlooking leafy St. Stephen’s Green, Glovers Alley is one for the culinary wish list. Blush pink upholstery sits harmoniously with dark green velvet atop a herringbone floor with understated brass accents throughout. The attention to detail continues through to the food which showcases the very best of Irish produce. Expect to see Skeaghanore duck, Kilmore Quay crab, Dingle hake and a host of other Irish produce on the menu. Prices start at €50 for a three course lunch menu. www.gloversalley.ie.
The Green Barn, Burtown House, Athy
Farm to fork dining in a modern barn structure flooded with natural light is the order of the day at The Green Barn. Overlooking the walled kitchen garden, the décor at The Green Barn fuses an abundance of natural accents with a touch of industrial chic and the result is utterly charming. Expect lots of greenery, stripped wood and delicious food given that 99% of the dishes on the menu have the word ‘garden’ listed in the description. A good sign if ever there was one. www.burtownhouse.ie.
The Muddlers Club, Belfast
Designed by the architectural darlings of the Belfast scene, Oscar and Oscar, the Michelin star Muddlers Club is located in the atmospheric Cathedral Quarter of Belfast city. The eclectic theme continues behind the doors with some subtle (and not so subtle) nods to the building’s mysterious past as it was named after a secret society that used to meet there over 200 years ago. Expect some street art using masonic inspired imagery with the all-seeing eye overlooking the restaurant, setting the tone for a darkly mysterious yet convivial post-industrial room. It’s an edgy and vibrant space which pairs well with the buzzy atmosphere and stellar food. www.themuddlersclubbelfast.com.
Luna, Dublin
Vintage New York Italian is one way to describe Luna with its Mad Med ambiance and sleek retro steakhouse feel. The recent change in ownership has not impacted the dazzling design with its classic Campari signage and dark leather banquettes and the word on the street is that the thankfully food lives up to the interior. The perfect photo op? An ice cold dry Martini in hand of course. www.luna-restaurant.com.
